2025 MURAL SPECIES!
lynx
Lynx canadensis
STATUS:
US STATUS: LT - Listed Threatened
MI STATUS: E - Endangered (Legally Protected)
Description:
The lynx is a medium-sized cat 2.5 to 4 feet long with girzzled, silvery-gray fur, prominent, long black ear tufts (2 inches long), and a short stubby tail that is completely black at the tip. Tracks are large, averaging 3.7 inches wide and 4.5 inches long for front paws and 3 x 3.1 inches for rear paws. Pads are usually round and unlobed; unlike canids (dogs), all felid (cat) tracks generally have no claw marks.
Habitat and Occurrence
If you’re looking to find a Lynx for yourself, check within the following ecosystems within the green counties on the map!
All information on this page is generously provided by the Michigan Natural Features Inventory (MNFI). For more information about Lynx - visit the species description here: mnfi.anr.msu.edu/lynx. To learn more about Michigan’s biodiversity, ecological communities and natural heritage, visit mnfi.anr.msu.edu
get involved with lynx conservation!
While there are currently no Community Science projects specifically operating to benefit the preservation of Lynx in Michigan, there are many organizations who work to protect the habitats where it resides! Volunteer with some of these organizations and help protect the habitat that Lynx needs in order to survive.
report an observation
MNFI stewards the Michigan Natural Heritage Database and track observations of some of Michigan’s rarest forms of life to fully understand the population and range of rare species to protect biodiversity in Michigan. If you have encountered a Lynx, you can share the location information with these trusted conservation professionals here: mnfi.anr.msu.edu/species/report